An unpredictably perfect day of eating with chef David Schwartz

If you love his restaurants, read this.

May 15, 2025

I caught up with chef David Schwartz, the man behind some of your Toronto favourites - Sunny’s Chinese, Mimi Chinese, Linny’s and the brand-new Linny’s Luncheonette.

David knows a ton of hidden gems across Toronto, and his picks for a perfect day of eating are far from predictable. In fact, you may not be familiar with some (or all) of these spots—so get ready to discover something new.

Pictured above: Lahmacun from Anatolian Fine Foods

Oh, and his latest spot, Linny’s Luncheonette, just opened right next door to Ossington fave, Linny’s.

Think classic deli feel, featuring house-smoked pastrami sandwiches, creamy smoked whitefish, and all the good stuff you’ll want to grab on the go

From breakfast to dinner, David’s choices are all about great food you might not have tried yet. And believe it or not, some of these spots don’t even have an IG… 🤪

In his own words, here are his no-nonsense picks.

Breakfast

📍Avenue Open Kitchen - 7 Camden St

“Peameal bacon, over-easy eggs, toasted rye, and home fries off the flat top. Maybe a side of gravy if the mood calls for it.”

Lunch

📍Anatolian Fine Foods - Unit:15, 2437 Finch Ave W

“Walk through the grocery section, grab a couple jars of pickles or olives, then head to the back for freshly grilled kebabs, baked-to-order pide and lahmacun, and doner sliced straight off the spit. If this place was closer to my home, I would eat there multiple times a week.”